Morabito begins long road back

Morabito begins long road back - The West Australian

Injury-cursed Fremantle mid- fielder Anthony Morabito is poised to take a vital step in his recovery from LARS knee surgery.

The 21-year-old underwent the operation in Sydney last week and was off crutches within days.

It is understood he has already started training at a Mandurah swimming pool and will begin gym work at Peel Thunder this week with hopes of running within the next fortnight.

The No.4 draft pick, who has had three knee reconstructions, will continue his rehabilitation in Mandurah until he is able to jog again and feels ready to return to the Dockers' training base at Fremantle Oval. Dockers teammate Paul Duffield said the timing of his return was up to Morabito.

"He is just taking his own time at the moment," Duffield said.

"All things considered he is in really good spirits.

"We haven't actually seen him back yet, but the club and all players have been offering a lot of support.

"He is such a super talent and we would love him to be out there as soon as possible."

Morabito met team doctors this week to map out his rehabilitation program.

Morabito elected for the controversial LARS surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee for the third time in January. The explosive midfielder has not played a game of AFL since making 23 appearances for the Dockers, including two finals, in his debut year, 2010.

He first ruptured his knee during the 2011 pre-season, then again last year while making his return through the WAFL.

Morabito's step up in training comes after it was revealed Geelong rising star Daniel Menzel also recently underwent LARS surgery after missing all of last season with a knee injury.

·West Coast defender Will Schofield yesterday signed a three-year contract extension with the club.

Eagles list manager Craig Vozzo said Schofield was an important part of the club's plans.